THE Melbourne and the Frog Hall both made the news in recent months for negative reasons: the former for problems with its licence, and the latter because it's been shut and will soon be pulled down.

But combining certain elements of the two York boozers has proved to be far more positive.

Take from the Frog the landlord and landlady, Wayne and Deanna Allen, a lot of the regulars and, most importantly, the spirit of the place. Add it to the fabric of The Melbourne, the staff, more regulars, and of course the beer, and things are looking up for real pubs and live music.

That Froggie 'spirit' would include the wackiness: where else would they have had a daft hats night, a pantomime cow dancing to Thin Lizzy's Cowgirls' Song and regular Rosie accompanying AC/DC's Whole Lotta Rosie? Then there's the charity fundraising nights, the jam nights, and the general camaraderie that comes from banding together to campaign against the Frog's closure.

But enough now of the Frog Hall - it's gone, many people did what they could, and it's time to look to the future.

Last week, the Melbourne, on Cemetery Road, was granted its entertainment licence, ensuring it will be rocking with the best of 'em.

There are already plans to improve the performance area for bands. A proper stage is going to be built, and an annoying pillar that blocks half of the view is going to be narrowed.

Meanwhile, the big screen TV has proved popular among the rugby fans. There's a pool table and darts (like a real pub), and unlike many pubs these days, Wayne is giving things like food a miss, in favour of beer, music, and beer. And people having fun and enjoying themselves.

The Frog Hall is dead - long live The Melbourne.

SHARP-eyed drinkers (if that's not a contradiction in terms) will have spotted the "To Let" boards on two high-profile York pubs.

Both the Shoulder Of Mutton in Heworth Green and the Black Swan in Peasholme Green are up for grabs.

They are part of the Voyager Pub Group, which took 1,000 boozers off Bass's hands last year.

Voyager's mission is to lease its pubs to independent operators. It then plans to sell its estate to a pub operating company.

What an ethereal world pub management is these days.

Those interested in taking over at the two York venues must bring a wedge of their own to the business. The capital required for the Shoulder is £32,500, and at the Black Swan the figure is £29,000.

Bar Talk tried to get a low-down on the story by contacting the Black Swan, previously a favourite of this column. Alas the landlord was "too busy to speak" and the phone was put down on us.

Bar Talk respectfully refers him to the Voyager website (www.voyagerpubs.co.uk) which says successful lessees will take "an approach to people that motivates employees to consistently perform to the highest standards, and encourages customers to return time and time again".

IT'S that time of year again. A time when even Martini drinkers down gallons of stout and start Riverdancing to iddly-diddly music.

Yes, St Patrick's Day is upon us. Tomorrow marks the celebrations of all things Irish, and at least two York pubs are joining in the spirit.

At the Spread Eagle, landlord Sonic, aka Andy Gray, is serving up a free oyster with every pint of Guinness sold.

Irish Harp lager is on special offer and in the afternoon and evening, entertainment is provided by Eiresmith. They play Irish folk music and Pogues-style blasts.

The Spread Eagle is on Walmgate, an area with strong Irish connections. So do any of Sonic's regulars have Irish accents?

"Not at the start of the evening," he confessed.

Over at O'Neill's, York's premier Oirish bar on Low Ousegate, the message is: get there early if you want a seat.

Helen O'Kane said it always gets packed on St Pat's, but the craic is first class.

The Blethermen from Northallerton will provide traditional Irish tunes from five o'clock, while the bar staff serve up giveaways with the Guinness all day.

These include O'Neill's and Guinness hats and miniature Guinness fiddles, so you can play along for as long as you are capable.

Updated: 09:15 Saturday, March 16, 2002